The Current State of Anti-UV Textile Finishing
Anti-UV textile finishing has become an increasingly important area of research in recent years due to the harmful effects of UV radiation on human health and the environment. Currently, a variety of anti-UV finishing techniques are being developed and implemented to improve the performance of textiles in this regard. These techniques include the use of photoprotective coatings, dyes, and nanomaterials that can absorb or reflect UV radiation. Additionally, new technologies such as laser texturing and electrochemical treatment have been introduced to enhance the effectiveness of anti-UV finishing. Despite these advancements, there is still room for improvement in terms of efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness. As such, further research is needed to develop more advanced and sustainable anti-UV finishing solutions that can meet the growing demand for protective textiles. Overall, the current state of anti-UV textile finishing represents an important step towards creating healthier and more environmentally friendly textile products.
Introduction
The global demand for anti-UV textiles has been steadily increasing due to the growing awareness of the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on human health and the environment. UV radiation is known to cause skin cancer, premature aging, and damage to aquatic life. As a result, the textile industry has been investing in research and development to develop new finishing technologies that effectively block UV radiation while maintaining the appearance and performance of textile products. In this article, we will explore the current state of anti-UV textile finishing and the latest trends and advancements in this field.
1、Anti-UV Treatment Methods
There are several methods for treating textile products to reduce their UV absorption. These methods can be classified into two main categories: chemical treatments and physical treatments.
1、1 Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments involve adding specific chemicals to the textile product during production to neutralize or block UV radiation. Some of the most commonly used chemicals for anti-UV treatment include:
a) Ultraviolet Light Blockers (Ulb): These are synthetic or natural compounds that absorb UV radiation and prevent it from reaching the end user. They are added to the fabric during production and can be effective in blocking both UVA and UVB rays. ULBs are often used in clothing, accessories, and outdoor gear to provide protection from UV radiation.
b) Ozone Generators: These devices emit ozone molecules, which have a strong oxidizing effect on UV radiation. By exposing textile products to ozone, manufacturers can significantly reduce their UV absorption. However, the use of ozone generators is limited due to its negative impact on the environment.
c) Photoinitiators: This method involves adding a photoinitiator compound to the textile product and exposing it to ultraviolet light before applying a polymerization reaction initiator. The resulting copolymer can effectively block UV radiation. Photoinitiators are commonly used in fabrics such as tents, awnings, and sun protective clothing.
d) Chemists' Solvents: Some chemicals, such as fluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), can act as solvents for other chemicals in textile finishing processes. These solvents can help to reduce the absorption of UV radiation by acting as a barrier between the UV rays and the textile fibers. However, the use of these solvents is restricted due to their environmental impact and potential health hazards.
1、2 Physical Treatments
Physical treatments involve using physical agents, such as metal oxides or ceramic coatings, to form a reflective surface on the textile product. These surfaces can efficiently reflect UV radiation away from the end user. Some common physical treatments used in anti-UV textile finishing include:
a) Metal Oxide Films: Metal oxide films, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, can be applied to textile products using a vacuum deposition process. These films offer excellent UV radiation blocking properties and can also enhance the color retention and resistance of the fabric to fading.
b) Ceramic Coatings: Ceramic coatings, such as nano-sized zinc oxide particles or calcium carbonate powders, can be added to textile products during production to create a reflective surface that blocks UV radiation. Ceramic coatings offer good UV blocking efficiency but may not perform well under harsh conditions such as high humidity or extreme temperatures.
c) Conductive Coatings: Certain types of conductive coatings can be applied to textile products using electroplating techniques. These coatings can help to dissipate excess heat generated by prolonged exposure to sunlight, reducing the risk of burns or discomfort to the end user. Additionally, conductive coatings can be used to charge electronic devices embedded in textile products, providing increased convenience and functionality.
2、Advancements in Anti-UV Textile Finishing Technologies
In recent years, there have been significant advancements in anti-UV textile finishing technologies, particularly in the area of chemical treatments. Here are some of the most noteworthy developments:
a) Polymer-Modified Fiber Technology: This technique involves introducing functional groups into the fiber structure through polymerization reactions, resulting in highly efficient UV absorbing fibers with improved performance characteristics. For example, researchers have developed polyurethane resin-modified cotton fibers that exhibit better UV blocking abilities compared to conventional cotton fibers.
b) Nano-Engineering Approaches: Nanotechnology has allowed for the creation of extremely fine particles that can be integrated into textile products during production. By using nanoscale metallic oxides or nanoparticle-coated fibers, manufacturers can achieve superior UV radiation blocking properties without compromising comfort or durability levels. For instance, researchers have developed graphene-coated fabric that offers exceptional UV blocking efficiency while remaining soft and breathable.
c) Biobased Materials: Biobased materials, such as biopolyesters derived from renewable sources like corn starch or sugarcane, have emerged as promising alternatives to synthetic UV blocking agents in textile finishing processes. Not only are they more environmentally friendly, but they also offer improved UV radiation blocking capabilities and reduced toxicity concerns compared to traditional chemicals. Several companies have already started incorporating biobased materials into their anti-UV textile finishing formulations.
Conclusion
As global demand for protective clothing and accessories continues to grow, the need for effective anti-UV textile finishing technologies becomes increasingly important. With ongoing research and development efforts in various areas, including chemical treatments and physical treatments, it is likely that we will see even more advanced anti-UV textile finishes in the near future that offer improved performance, sustainability, and versatility.
Articles related to the knowledge points of this article：
Title: China’s Export of Textiles and Clothing
Title: Exploring the Expensive Textile Recycling Prices in Jiangsu Province
Title: High-Quality Fabrics and Textiles Job Openings at Gaoyang Fugui Textile Co. Ltd.
Title: A Comprehensive Textile Industry Trade Cooperation Agreement
